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[PAST EVENT] Breaking Into Film: Key Takeaways From My Journey with Omar Kamara ‘15

March 2, 2023
2pm
Location
Virtual
Access & Features
  • Open to the public
Ampersand Festival Logo

Born and raised in VA, I didn’t exactly have a blue-print on how to make it as a Writer/Director in Hollywood. Now living in LA, working in entertainment full-time, and having just completed my debut feature, I will share some key take-aways and perspectives from my journey.

About Omar Kamara ‘15
Writer/Director Omar S. Kamara is a first-generation Sierra Leonean American, Virginia native, and graduate of William & Mary and the American Film Institute. His short film, MASS AVE, won the Grand Prize at the Director’s Guild of America Student Film Awards, was named a Finalist in HBO’s Short Film Competition at ABFF, and was nominated for the Grand Prix at Clermont-Ferrand International Film Festival. The film was licensed by HBO and is currently streaming on HBO Max.

In addition to winning the Silver Screen at the Cannes Lions Young Director Award and the Franklin J. Schaffner Fellow Award at AFI, Kamara’s films have played at numerous Oscar-Qualifying film festivals including Rhode Island, HollyShorts, and the Pan African Film Festival. He recently completed production on his debut feature film, AFRICAN GIANTS, which is targeting a 2023 festival release. Kamara’s films touch on his first-generation experiences and strive to highlight and honor the African Diaspora.